Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • ‘Losing a friend was hard’: Jennifer Garner speaks about her divorce with Ben Affleck

    ‘Losing a friend was hard’: Jennifer Garner speaks about her divorce with Ben Affleck

    In a remarkably candid revelation, acclaimed actress Jennifer Garner has opened up about the profound emotional impact of her separation from actor-director Ben Affleck. During a recent interview, the 53-year-old star characterized the dissolution of their marriage as an exceptionally challenging experience, focusing particularly on the loss of a deep friendship and the fracturing of family unity.

    Garner, who finalized her divorce from Affleck in 2018 after their initial separation in 2015, dismissed the notion that media scrutiny represented the most difficult aspect of the process. ‘You have to be smart about what you can and can’t handle,’ she stated, ‘and I could not handle what was out there. But what was out there was not what was hard.’

    The true difficulty, according to Garner, resided in the fundamental reality of the situation: ‘The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.’ She revealed her conscious strategy to avoid engaging with gossip or speculation about her personal life, particularly when it involves her three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—considering such consumption counterproductive.

    Despite the initial challenges, Garner described achieving a state of peaceful coexistence with Affleck in their co-parenting relationship. She characterized their current dynamic as marked by ‘peace and equanimity,’ demonstrating their successful navigation toward mutual respect and collaborative parenting.

    Reflecting on her broader life journey, Garner expressed gratitude for her sustained career, healthy children, and enduring professional relationships that have evolved into ‘familial friendships’ over decades. Now in a relationship with tech CEO John Miller since 2018, Garner emphasized the transformative power of time in healing emotional wounds.

    She offered poignant advice for women experiencing similar situations: ‘I think it’s important for women to know, when they think, ‘Oh, I’ll never see that, I’ll never have that feeling, I’ll never be friends with this person again,’ that time is the opportunity. Time is the opportunity to heal. Time is the opportunity to forgive, to move on and to find a new way to be friends.’

  • Algeria apologises after player mocks Congolese superfan dressed as pan-African hero

    Algeria apologises after player mocks Congolese superfan dressed as pan-African hero

    The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has extended a formal apology to Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the Congolese superfan who has emerged as an unofficial mascot of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Mboladinga captured global attention by supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo team while impersonating the nation’s assassinated first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, standing motionless on a pedestal throughout matches with his right arm raised in tribute.

    The controversy erupted following Algeria’s dramatic 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Tuesday’s round of 16 match. Algerian forward Mohamed Amine Amoura triggered widespread criticism when he mimicked collapsing to the ground in a gesture that appeared to mock Mboladinga’s statue-like pose. The Wolfsburg player subsequently issued a public apology on Instagram, clarifying that his actions were intended as good-natured humor without malicious intent toward DR Congo or its symbolic figure.

    In a diplomatic resolution effort, FAF’s media officer Saïd Fellak traveled to Casablanca to personally meet with Mboladinga and present him with an official Algerian national team jersey bearing the name ‘Lumumba’ on the back. The reconciliation ceremony, attended by Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, was documented by Congolese supporters and shared across social media platforms.

    Historical context underscores the sensitivity of the incident: Patrice Lumumba remains a revered anti-colonial icon across Africa, particularly in DR Congo where he was assassinated in 1961 in a plot involving Western powers. Mboladinga’s tribute, featuring period-accurate hairstyle and glasses, transformed him into a living monument throughout Congo’s four AFCON matches.

    The sporting drama unfolded during a tense match decided by Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute goal, securing Algeria’s quarter-final placement against Nigeria while eliminating DR Congo from the tournament. Despite the elimination, Amoura expressed hope that DR Congo would qualify for the upcoming World Cup, for which Algeria has already secured placement.

  • Tournament chiefs admit errors over viral wildcard

    Tournament chiefs admit errors over viral wildcard

    Tennis Kenya has formally acknowledged its misjudgment in awarding a wildcard entry to Egyptian player Hajar Abdelkader, whose profoundly uncompetitive performance during an ITF W35 tournament in Nairobi has sparked widespread criticism and viral social media attention.

    The match, played on Wednesday, saw Abdelkader suffer a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Germany’s Lorena Schaedel, who is herself ranked 1,026th globally. The contest lasted merely 37 minutes, during which the Egyptian amateur managed to secure only three points—all resulting from her opponent’s errors. Abdelkader’s performance was notably marred by 20 double faults, raising serious questions about her competitive readiness and background in the sport.

    In an official statement, Tennis Kenya explained that the wildcard was granted at the last minute to maintain player and nation representation following another competitor’s withdrawal. The federation conceded that, in retrospect, this decision was a significant error in judgment that compromised the tournament’s competitive standards. “The federation has taken note of this experience and will ensure that such an extremely rare occurrence never happens again,” the statement read, reaffirming its commitment to “fairness, transparency and the integrity of competition.”

    Further complicating the situation, the Egyptian Tennis Federation has completely distanced itself from the player. Technical Director Dia Nabil Loutfy confirmed to the BBC that Hajar Abdelkader is not and has never been registered with their federation, possesses no official player status, and that Egypt had no involvement—direct or indirect—in her application or acceptance into the Nairobi tournament. Loutfy suggested Abdelkader was likely residing in Kenya and applied for the wildcard independently through the local organizing body.

    The incident has ignited a broader discussion on wildcard allocation processes in professional tennis, particularly at the ITF level, and the necessity of upholding minimum competitive standards to protect the sport’s integrity.

  • Somalia denies US allegation that it destroyed food aid warehouse

    Somalia denies US allegation that it destroyed food aid warehouse

    A significant diplomatic rift has emerged between the United States and Somalia following allegations that Somali authorities demolished an American-funded World Food Program warehouse and confiscated humanitarian aid destined for vulnerable civilians. The U.S. State Department announced an immediate suspension of all assistance to Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday, citing the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft and diversion of life-saving assistance.”

    According to a senior U.S. official speaking anonymously, Mogadishu port authorities destroyed the UN agency’s warehouse under direct orders from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud without prior notification to international donors. The official described this action as particularly concerning given Somalia’s severe food crisis affecting approximately 4.4 million people.

    The Somali government has vehemently denied these allegations through its foreign ministry, asserting that the referenced food commodities “remain under the custody and control of the World Food Program.” Officials attributed the incident to ongoing expansion and repurposing works at Mogadishu port, maintaining that humanitarian operations remain unaffected.

    However, the World Food Program contradicted the government’s account, confirming to The Associated Press that its warehouse had indeed been demolished while containing 75 metric tons of specialized nutritious foods intended for malnourished pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. The UN agency emphasized the critical timing of this incident, with nearly a quarter of Somalia’s population facing crisis-level hunger.

    This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Somalia’s protracted humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by chronic conflict, insecurity, and recurring natural disasters. The Horn of Africa nation remains one of the world’s poorest countries, historically dependent on international assistance. The now-suspended U.S. aid amounted to $770 million during the last year of the Biden administration, though only a fraction directly reached the Somali government.

    The aid suspension coincides with the Trump administration’s increasingly restrictive policies toward Somali refugees and migrants in the United States, including heightened scrutiny over fraud allegations involving childcare centers in Minnesota and significant entry restrictions.

    The broader implications of this decision extend beyond Somalia, as demonstrated by parallel aid restrictions imposed on South Sudan. The U.S. Embassy in Juba announced suspensions targeting specific regions, accusing South Sudanese officials of “abuse, exploitation, and theft directed against U.S. foreign assistance.” These developments signal a tougher American stance on foreign aid accountability under the current administration.

  • Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ‘devastated’ by death of young son

    Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ‘devastated’ by death of young son

    Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her family are grieving the devastating loss of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday following a brief illness. The tragic announcement was formally communicated through a family representative, Omawumi Ogbe, who conveyed the profound heartbreak experienced by Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.

    The literary world joins in mourning as the family requests privacy and prayers during this unimaginably difficult period. Adichie, celebrated globally for her groundbreaking works including ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and ‘Americanah,’ has long been recognized as a pivotal voice in contemporary literature and feminist discourse. Her influential 2012 TED Talk, ‘We Should All Be Feminists,’ gained monumental recognition when sampled by Beyoncé in her 2013 hit ‘Flawless.’

    Beyond her literary achievements, Adichie’s personal journey with motherhood has been publicly shared. The 48-year-old author welcomed her first child, a daughter, in 2016, followed by twin boys through surrogacy in 2024. Her experiences with pregnancy and creativity have been subjects of her candid discussions, including her revelation about experiencing ‘terrifying’ writer’s block during her first pregnancy.

    Adichie’s impact extends beyond fiction into cultural commentary. During her 2022 BBC Reith Lecture, she expressed concerns about modern censorship culture, warning that fear of asking questions could lead to ‘the death of curiosity, learning, and creativity.’ Her advocacy for intellectual freedom remains as relevant as her literary contributions, making this personal loss particularly poignant for her global readership.

  • Protesters in South Africa condemn US intervention in Venezuela, call for Maduro’s release

    Protesters in South Africa condemn US intervention in Venezuela, call for Maduro’s release

    PRETORIA – Dozens of demonstrators assembled outside the U.S. Embassy in South Africa’s capital on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to American military actions in Venezuela and the detention of former President Nicolas Maduro. Organized primarily by the South African Communist Party (SACP), a key ally of the ruling African National Congress, the protest featured participants brandishing signs with messages such as “Hands Off Venezuela,” “Free President Maduro Now,” and “End American Imperialism.”

    Solly Mapaila, Secretary General of the SACP, addressed the crowd, accusing the U.S. of openly seeking control over Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves. “Donald Trump has not hidden this intention from the world. He has pronounced it with his own mouth,” Mapaila stated.

    The demonstration also drew support from pro-Palestine activists who expressed solidarity with Venezuela. Sarah Mukwevho, one of the protesters, warned that U.S. actions in Venezuela could set a dangerous precedent for other nations. “Today it is Venezuela and Maduro, tomorrow it can be any other smaller country that the U.S. is not happy with,” she remarked.

    The protest aligns with the South African government’s official condemnation of Maduro’s capture. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the country’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter, stating that U.S. actions had “undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state.” He demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.

    This demonstration occurs against a backdrop of strained U.S.-South Africa relations, exacerbated recently by diplomatic disagreements over Trump’s comments regarding South Africa’s domestic policies.

  • Ex-Ghana minister detained by US immigration

    Ex-Ghana minister detained by US immigration

    Ghana’s former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been detained by US immigration authorities, according to legal representatives familiar with the matter. The detention comes amid an ongoing extradition request from Ghanaian prosecutors who have charged Ofori-Atta with multiple corruption-related offenses.

    Ofori-Atta’s legal team confirmed the detention while emphasizing their client’s compliance with US immigration procedures. The former minister was reportedly in the process of adjusting his immigration status to remain legally in the United States beyond his current visa’s validity period. His attorneys characterized the detention as a routine immigration matter that they expect to be resolved promptly.

    The case represents a significant diplomatic challenge between the two nations, both of which maintain generally warm relations. Ghana had previously sought Ofori-Atta’s extradition to face charges including conspiracy to commit procurement fraud and causing financial loss to the state during his tenure from 2017 to 2024 under the New Patriotic Party administration.

    Ofori-Atta’s lawyers have consistently challenged the extradition request, arguing that the allegations are politically motivated. The former minister left Ghana approximately one year ago for medical treatment, according to his legal representatives. While Ghanaian prosecutors briefly declared him a fugitive in February, this designation was withdrawn after assurances that he intended to cooperate with investigators.

    The detention occurs against the backdrop of Ghana’s recent political transition. The New Patriotic Party lost power in December 2024 elections, leading to the presidency of John Mahama from the National Democratic Congress, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. The case tests the bilateral relationship between the US and Ghana, which have collaborated on repatriation matters despite occasional policy disagreements on international issues.

  • US halts assistance to Somalia over claims food aid was illegally seized

    US halts assistance to Somalia over claims food aid was illegally seized

    In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has suspended all assistance to Somalia’s government following allegations that officials destroyed a UN World Food Programme warehouse and confiscated approximately 76 tonnes of donor-funded food aid intended for vulnerable populations.

    The State Department announced the decision through the account of the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, stating the Trump administration maintains a ‘zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.’ The suspension will remain until Somali authorities ‘take accountability for unacceptable actions and implement appropriate remedial measures.’

    This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Mogadishu. Recent months have witnessed strained relations following President Trump’s controversial remarks about Somali migrants in the United States and Israel’s recognition of breakaway region Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.

    Despite the suspension, the U.S. remains the WFP’s largest contributor, providing $2 billion in 2025—nearly one-third of the organization’s total funding. The seized aid was critical for addressing Somalia’s severe hunger crisis, where 4.6 million people face emergency food shortages exacerbated by drought, floods, conflict, and diminishing harvests.

    The Somali government, engaged in a prolonged battle against al-Qaeda-linked militants while rebuilding from civil war and environmental disasters, has not yet responded to the allegations or the aid suspension.

  • Somalia’s fight against extremist militants shows signs of success on the streets of Mogadishu

    Somalia’s fight against extremist militants shows signs of success on the streets of Mogadishu

    MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the ongoing battle against al-Shabab militants, Somalia’s capital has established a multi-layered security apparatus that blends traditional checkpoints with advanced surveillance technology. At the forefront of this defense strategy is Colonel Abdikani Ali Mohamed, whose National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) operatives maintain constant vigilance against evolving terrorist tactics.

    The security architecture represents a fundamental shift in Somalia’s counterterrorism approach following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s 2022 declaration of ‘total war’ against the al-Qaeda-linked militants. Rather than relying solely on military confrontation, the government has prioritized intelligence gathering and financial disruption to combat the group responsible for years of violence that has killed and maimed thousands.

    Security analysts describe Mogadishu’s protection system as a ‘ring of steel’ incorporating high-tech surveillance, improved intelligence sharing, and concrete barriers around potential targets. This integrated approach has reportedly disrupted multiple terrorist cells and made significant attacks increasingly rare in the capital, though the threat remains persistent.

    Beyond the urban centers, the conflict has transformed into a grinding war of attrition in southern and central Somalia. In regions like Lower Shabelle—the nation’s agricultural heartland now serving as a battleground—control of towns frequently changes hands between government forces and militants. Recent months have seen intensified fighting in areas such as Bariire, where civilians face displacement and destruction of infrastructure.

    Despite these challenges, military officials point to successive victories against al-Shabab and express confidence in eventually gaining the upper hand. The improved security situation in Mogadishu has allowed civilian life to gradually normalize, with new businesses emerging and residents expressing cautious optimism about the future.

  • Vijay’s Jana Nayagan release postponed ‘due to unavoidable circumstances’

    Vijay’s Jana Nayagan release postponed ‘due to unavoidable circumstances’

    In a significant development for Indian cinema, the highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan’ starring superstar Vijay has been officially postponed indefinitely. The production company, Bengaluru-based KVN Productions, announced the delay through an official statement on social media platform X, citing “unavoid circumstances beyond our control” as the primary reason.

    The postponement follows an ongoing legal battle with India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The regulatory body informed the Madras High Court that the production requires fresh review procedures, creating substantial delays in the certification process. KVN Productions had previously challenged the CBFC’s decision through a writ petition, but the court reserved its judgment on January 7, leaving the film’s certification status in limbo.

    ‘Jana Nayagan’ holds particular significance as it represents Vijay’s final cinematic project before his full transition into politics. The 51-year-old actor formally announced his retirement from acting during the film’s audio launch in Malaysia last year. His political ambitions materialized with the establishment of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, with confirmed plans to contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu state elections.

    The production company expressed profound regret in their statement: “We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us.” They assured stakeholders and fans that a new release date would be announced “at the earliest” while requesting continued patience and support from Vijay’s extensive fan base across Tamil cinema markets.

    The delay represents a substantial commercial setback for KVN Productions, which marked its entry into Tamil cinema with this high-profile project. Industry analysts suggest the postponement could affect strategic release windows and promotional investments already deployed for the originally scheduled January 9 premiere.